Google's social strategy is not as straightforward as copying Facebook through Google+. The real key for Google is the +1 button. Google just wants people clicking on those plus one buttons as much as possible. It sends a signal to Google engineers about what users like, which can influence search results and display ads.

If Google+ develops into a destination site where people hang out like Facebook, awesome. But, it's the not the real make-or-break for Google. Interactions with the +1 is key.

Of course, you might ask yourself, "Why do people click on +1 buttons?" The answer according to our source, is "People just like to express themselves, even if it's something as small as hitting +1."

We didn't ask Google for a comment, because it hates to comment on internal matters, so we didn't want to waste its time.